Britcar 500 - 6 Hour endurance race - October 3rd/4th 2009

Congratulations to Andy Elliot, Mark Bryant and our very own Bernie Bowden on a 3rd in class finish (1st in class 3 invitation) at the Britcar 500. Driving an ex-Nurburgring 24 hour EFP Gritting Honda Prelude they completed 123 laps with no mechanical problems. Bernie took the first hour, followed by Mark and then Andy this was then repeated for the last 3 hours.

Around the half way point the skies darkened and the rain began to fall. Andy was driving at the time and he stayed out on slicks for as long as possible hoping it would blow over. It didn't and he came in for wet tyres and to hand over to Bernie.

There were early casualties as some expensive machinery began to have mechanical problems. A Honda Civic required an engine swap, a Mosler retired as did countless Porsche 997's and plenty of other cars were spending more time in the garages than on the track.

Due to oil on the circuit at the Brooklands complex, the safety car was called out for what seemed like ages. Bernie led the field round behind the safety car until he came into the pits to take advantage of the safety car period.

Despite the drying track, they kept the wets on until the last hour deciding to swap the fronts for slicks for Andy's final stint. A good decision as the lap times tumbled down and cemented the 3rd in class position following home Vicky Butler Henderson's Clio and an ex-touring car Civic. A fantastic achievement against some formidable machinery and drivers.

Well done to all the team.

Words & Pics: Matt Searle